District of Muskoka passes new Waste Management By-law
The District of Muskoka passed a new Waste Management By-law in the February 18, 2025, Council meeting.
According to the staff report, the existing By-law “as amended, requires significant changes and updates to align with the District’s current waste system service levels and identified municipal best practices and approved changes.” Therefore, the By-law was replaced to include updates to reflect its current processes.
Amendments included closing the 1200 Twelve Mile Bay Road site in Georgian Bay on November 3rd of this year, and a bin transition for the Go Home Lake site.
The staff report adds that the Ministry of Environment mandated the removal of unlicensed waste bins by 2026, so the District is required to submit a plan by March 1st that includes progress in 2024 and ongoing actions for 2025.
Councillor, Peter Koetsier, said the Georgian Bay transition will happen during the busy months so both permanent and seasonal residents can learn and participate in the changes. He added that it will also allow for more communication with the District.
Councillor, Ruth Nishikawa, disagreed with implementing a new By-law now when changes are being rolled out because it would limit potential tweaks that are needed in the new system.
For instance, she suggested that tags should be used for rural residents or taxpayers using the service for only three months out of the year.
She added that year-round residents that previously used a bin site now must go to a garbage disposal site, and some don’t have access.
She said, “I’m looking for value for service.”
Commissioner of Engineering, James Steele, advised that staff are currently working on the Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP)and will consider the impact to the levy once it’s completed. He added that a “pay as you throw” (buying tags system) is not currently in the works, however, a proposal can be considered moving forward.
He added they can consider feedback and make adjustments during the SWMP approval period, however, it’s premature to reconsider calculations to the levy at this point.
Nishikawa expressed concern about how long the process could take, which is up to 2 to 3 years. She said, “I want a solution today or moving forward sooner rather than later.”
Steele advised that he anticipates the project to be completed by the end of 2026, and the budget process in 2027, which can “include all the changes.”
He also suggested that ongoing questions and discussions about services go through the Engineering and Public Works Committee meeting.
Councillor, Sandy Cairns, expressed concerns about some businesses and organizations, such as non-profits, food banks, and shelters in the downtown core not receiving pick up for their recycling, which will result in it ending up mixed with the garbage – the opposite of what they’re currently trying to implement.
She added that the lack of pick ups is causing issues because some facilities don’t have transportation to bring the recycled material to the waste sites or the landfill hours conflict with their business schedules, and inquired about how the District can help with this.
Steele advised that staff are “trying to balance fiscal responsibilities with level of service” and will return with future recommendations for consideration.
He said that the new By-law “sets a new baseline for service levels based on what’s implemented today.” He added, “The goal is to start with a fresh slate.”
Although other Council members were also not in support of passing the By-law today, it was carried, with the understanding that concerns can be expressed in the upcoming March EPW meeting.
The new By-law will take effect on March 1st.
